Wylder Bride by Amey Zeigler

          Maisie Brinley rejected every bachelor in the Boston elite put forth by her social-climbing mother. Then Mother issues an ultimatum to marry a family friend—but he's twice Maisie's age. After corresponding with a stranger whose letters connect with her heart, Maisie crosses the continent for his love. When they meet, will he live up to her expectations, or will her escape be in vain?

Living in Wylder, Wyoming Territory—where men outnumber women ten to one—gunsmith Cyrus Haddock hides his disfigured face to avoid romantic rejection. Out of pity, he helps a friend woo a woman through letter writing. But his success backfires when Cyrus falls in love with the Easterner's words. When they meet, will Cyrus hide his feelings or confess his love?

 Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature author Amey Zeigler and Wylder Bride, one of the latest editions in the Wylder West series out of the Wild Rose Press. With Amey is gunsmith Cyrus Haddock who will go first.

Good morning, Cyrus, thanks for taking time out of your day to speak with us. Let’s start with where you’re from. A small town in Pennsylvania. I moved to Wyoming after the War. My face was so scarred, I was sure no woman on earth would have me.

What did you think the first time you saw Maisie Brinley? She was an angel clad in purple. I knew it was here as soon as I clapped eyes on her. Her smile brought shivers to my toes.

That’s lovely. What was your second thought? Oh crap, she’s engaged to my best friend Captain Christopher Peele.

Was it love at first sight? I know it was on my end. For her, I’d like to think it was. Some part of me hoped she’d see me in those letters I wrote on behalf of Christopher.

What do you like most about Maisie? She is no ordinary woman. Her words are like manna to my soul. Her thirst for life lifts me from my darkest days.

How would you describe her? She’s a little unprepared to live out West. Her upbringing in an upper-class Boston family didn’t give her the skills to homestead, but I love her sweet innocence.

How would she describe you? Hah! That’s a good question. She would see my heart first, not the horrible scar lancing across my face. She would see that I care for her no matter what and that I would do anything to keep her by my side.

What made you choose to become a gunsmith? I love the contemplative work that goes into crafting beautiful heirloom pieces. My guns isn’t just firearms, they are works of art.

How do you relax? I like to block the world out with the banging of the hammer on an anvil. I like to lose myself in the rhythm of the movements: holding the steel in the heart of the forge, then waiting until it glows purple, squelching it in the slack bucket with a hiss. I lose myself in creation.

Who is your favorite fictional character? I love Shakespeare. I love the wise who are considered as fools.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Plant in the spring if you want to harvest in the fall. In other words, you reap what you sow--so sow carefully.

Cyrus, not only are you a gunsmith, you are a wordsmith, and we thank you for your time. Now, we’d like to chat with Amey.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? I loved the classics. I read Cyrano de Bergerac in high school or so and I always wanted to give him a happy ending.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? My father is an avid shooter. I grew up with guns in my house. I respect them. I actually called my father’s gunsmith and talked for about an hour about what he loves about his career, the mechanics of a gun and how to create one.

I am also intrigued by stories of unrequited love. I felt a close kinship with Cyrus. I knew his pain to love but never be loved. Thankfully, my husband rescued me from that, hahah!

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? Before I was published, I went to a conference in Seattle. I was talking to someone there who recommended I find a small press for my work. I had never considered a small press. So I looked up a list of small presses and read each one of them in alphabetical order and what they wanted and how to submit etc. I was really impressed by The Wild Rose Press--which was last on the list. They were the only ones I submitted to and I got accepted.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Hahah! A whole stack. What I’m currently reading is Bone Crier’s Moon by Kathryn Purdie.

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? After Wylder Bride from TWRP, I have a trio of clean billionaire books planned for self-publishing, as well a standalone called Late Bloomer about a girl who is trying to NOT be a hick from the sticks. Then I have Certainly Will Die, my second romantic suspense, from TWRP.

 To purchase Wylder Bride, go to:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NTB6M49

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wylder-bride-amey-zeigler/1140780935?ean=2940161053706

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09NTB6M49

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NTB6M49

 To learn more about Amey Zeigler and the stories she creates, go to:

 https://twitter.com/ameyzeigler

 https://www.facebook.com/azauthor/

 https://www.instagram.com/ameyzeigler/

 https://www.pinterest.com/aez02/

 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17290110.Amey_Zeigler

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClxrZBB--pz84cAHvC7z2Dg?view_as=subscriber

Featuring debut author Sandra L. Young and Divine Vintage

        Tess Burton is always up for an adventure, and she’s risked her inheritance to open Divine Vintage clothing boutique. While modeling an elegant gown from an Edwardian trousseau, her mind is opened to a century-old murder. Visions—seen through the eyes of the murdered bride—dispute local lore that claims the bridegroom committed the crime.

Trey Dunmore doesn’t share her enthusiasm for mind-blowing visions, yet the appeal to clear his family’s tainted legacy compels him to join her in exploring the past. Aided by the dead woman’s clothing and diary, Tess and Trey discover that pursuing love in 1913 was just as thorny as modern day. As the list of murder suspects grows, the couple fears past emotions are influencing, and may ultimately derail, their own blossoming intimacy.

Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature debut author Sandra L. Young who is celebrating today’s release of Divine Vintage, a paranormal time travel romance, published by the Wild Rose Press. With Sandy is boutique owner Tess Burton who will go first.

 Good morning, Tess. Thanks for taking time away from the shop to speak with us. Let’s begin with where you are from. I grew up in the quiet farmlands of north central Illinois. I moved to Michigan City, Indiana, to open Divine Vintage in the growing Uptown Arts District. About 30,000 people live here, so we enjoy the advantages of small-town living but are only an hour out of Chicago. And if I miss the farm, I only have to drive a few minutes to see cornfields!

Tell us a bit about Divine Vintage.  I’m so happy I opened the shop, despite the risk. I felt so strongly that my grandmother, who left me some early inheritance, was smiling down at the decision. I’ve stocked the store with items she’d love: dozens of dresses, coats, jewelry, shoes, hats--even undergarments. The store was a former candy shop, and it offers a lovely big bay window and a glass display counter for sweet sweaters and other lovely pieces. With our online sales, we’ve been able to turn some profit, and traffic and buzz continue to grow.  

What did you think the first time you saw Trey Dunmore. Gorgeous. Brown eyes, plush as 1930s velvet. Thick, honey-toned hair with the cutest little cowlick. I couldn’t help but stare…and he did the same.

Works for us, but what was your second thought? When we shook hands, we both felt an electricity. It knocked every thought out of my head.

Did you feel it was love at first sight? Nooo. I mean, I was attracted, sure. Then he made a couple snarky, architect-snob comments about my shop. I was definitely annoyed, but he stayed in my mind the rest of the week, till we collided again at the style show.

What do you like most about Trey? When we started to talk at the show, I discovered he’s easy to be with. Fun, funny, sexy, smart. As we opened up, slowly, over the coming weeks, I discovered he shares my passion for helping others. He’s also super supportive of my shop, unlike my last jerk boyfriend.

How would you describe him? He’s great, but a little wary, like me. We were both burned in our last relationships, so we’ve been hesitant to jump in too fast. And this psychic vision thing has really aroused his cautious, skeptical side.

How would Trey describe you? Depends on when you’d ask! He’d probably have said I was teetering on crazy after I shared my first visions. He’d have called me infuriating when Marcy and I drove out at night looking for Jake in spots where the homeless gather. Overall, I think he admires my courage and convictions, in opening Divine Vintage, trying to solve the mystery through our visions, and standing up for social justice for the homeless.

What made you choose owning a vintage boutique for a career? The link to my grandmother. We were very close, and I lost her too young, before we had a chance to discuss her “sensitivities.” After she passed, I started to experience heightened impressions when I’d handle appealing vintage items. Almost like I was channeling the earlier owner for a few moments. The images eventually extended beyond the visual, to encompass emotion, smell, and sound.

What is your biggest fear? That I’ll open myself again--to love, to the visions--and be crushed. Mentally. I don’t think the visions can cause physical harm, so I don’t fear those. Trey has greater concern in that area!

How do you relax? Who can relax after opening a new business?! Thankfully, I love the job and the clothing so much that working with it puts me in a zen frame of mind. Speaking of zen, my part-time assistant, Marcy, calms my nervous energy with her laid-back, artsy vibe.

Who is your favorite fictional character? I grew up reading my grandmother’s old Nancy Drew mysteries. I was into a vintage vibe even then, and I admired Nancy’s courage and persistence. I never imagined I’d become a kind of psychic sleuth, trying solve a century-old mystery. I guess that makes Trey a Ned Nickerson sidekick. Old-school, I know. But I’m a vintage chick.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? I had a very realistic connection with my grandmother recently, though it had to be a dream. She counseled me to “open” myself. I’m assuming she means to the visions from Phoebe’s trousseau gown and garments. And to Trey. The first is easier than the second, but I don’t think I have much control in either instance.

We thank you for spending time with us, Tess. Now we’d like to chat with Sandra.

What movies or books have had an impact on you as a writer? I read a lot of mysteries and romance in my earlier years. I was an early Nora Roberts fan, and especially enjoyed her novels including magical or mild supernatural elements. Those books apparently left their impact as the same themes popped up in Divine Vintage.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? I began my career as a newspaper journalist and transitioned into nonprofit management. In my last job as Vice President of a community foundation, I chaired a Home Team coalition that focused on assisting the homeless and those most-at-risk. There’s often a “not in my backyard” reaction to housing the homeless, and I translated that into a social justice issue of my heroine fighting for the opening of a new resource center in the town. I believe this issue brought an unexpected level of gravity to the lead characters, and to the tone of the novel.      

 Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? Some respected members of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association are published with The Wild Rose Press, so I looked into it after receiving a couple other small press offers. Those writers were complimentary of the publisher, and I liked its strong, established track record.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? As a 2022 debut author, I’m supporting as many other new writers as possible – including from our press. Those currently include Not My Child by Lis Angus and Casino Queen by Cara Bertoia. When the books I read have a historical timeline, I write Vintage Reviews on Instagram pairing them with pieces from my collection. Another story in my TBR, by an established author, is The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara A. Davis. It revolves around a vintage wedding dress, a dual-timeline story, and magic.

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves?When my launch promotion whirl slows a bit I’ll rework the sequel to Divine Vintage, featuring Tess’ assistant, Marcy. The novel has similar themes of romance woven around historical mystery, vintage fashion, and ghostly elements. A main setting is a community theater, with a fabulous costume loft.

Sandra brought along an excerpt from Divine Vintage for us:

She fought the slithering fear. He wouldn’t hurt her; she just had to reason with him through the daze of alcohol. She pushed against his chest to gain distance and chose her words carefully. “I’m sorry if you misinterpreted my friendship gestures. But I care for—no, I love Edward. Very much. Please, please go and be happy for us. We’ll put this incident behind us. Forget it ever happened.” She would keep this intrusion their secret. She owed him that much.

He paused as if contemplating her plea. She gained hope that he had accepted her explanation. He would leave peacefully.

Instead, the spurned suitor pulled her tighter. “You’ll be with me, or nobody.” He covered her mouth with hard, demanding lips.

Survival instinct kicked in. She brought up a knee, hard, to his tender maleness, and wrested away to scream—

“Tess. Tess. Wake up.”

The authoritative male voice pierced her mind and Tess struggled to rise from the frightening scene. She finally broke through the filmy veil of unconsciousness. Her body trembled with remnants of fear and horror. She shot up in the bed and cried out, her words searing the quiet.

“My husband didn’t kill me!”

To learn more about Sandra L. Young and the stories she creates, go to:

My website: https://sandrayoungauthor.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/116212228-sandra-l-young---author

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sandra-l-young

https://www.instagram.com/slyoungauthor/

https://twitter.com/1DivineVintage

 

To purchase Divine Vintage, go to:

https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Vintage-Sandra-L-Young-ebook/dp/B09NGP2W9R/ref

https://bookshop.org/books/divine-vintage-9781509238231/9781509238231

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/divine-vintage-sandra-l-young/1140776337

https://books.apple.com/us/book/divine-vintage/id1599901532

 

 

 

  

Brother of Interest by Karina Bartow

 There’s nothing more heart-warming than a brother and sister’s bond—or is there?

In Minka Avery’s case, her relationship with her brother, Robin, has been strained for years, but never more than it is in Brother of Interest. For the past fourteen months, Minka's been basking in the joys of new motherhood, a far cry from the life she had as a deaf police detective. She sometimes misses the rush of chasing criminals, but she finds more excitement than she ever wanted when Robin ends up at the top of the list of suspects in a high-profile assault investigation.

She may not have a badge anymore, but the sister and law enforcer in her impel her unofficially explore the matter on her own. Will she find her runaway brother? Will the evidence she unearths exonerate him...or point to his guilt? 

 Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature author Karina Bartow as she celebrates the release of Brother of Interest, a follow up novel in her Undefeated Detective series. With Karina is former police detective Minka Avery who will go first.  

Good morning, Minka. Let’s begin with you telling us a bit about Brother of Interest. It follows what happened after I resigned from my job as a detective for the Orlando PD. I decided to quit and stay home with my daughter because my husband and I had a crazy few months when I was pregnant, with him going into witness protection and all. Long story! Anyway, I relished motherhood for the first year, but my brother, Robin, landed in the crosshairs of a high-profile assault and dragged me back into crime-fighting. I didn’t expect to return to hunting fugitives, much less one to whom I’m related.  

What made you choose police work for a profession? I know it’s unusual, considering I’m deaf, but I never wanted to be anything else. This may come as a surprise, but my desire stems from my brother. Our neighbor kidnapped Robin when he was four. I was supposed to be watching him, but at eight years old, I didn’t understand the danger that could lay literally in your own back yard. Naturally, I felt—and still feel—responsible, so I channeled that into doing my best to help others.    

Knowing what you know now, if you had it to do over again, would you stick with being a detective or do something different? I don’t regret a minute of my five years with the department. I loved public service, even if it took its toll now and then. I cherish being a stay-at-home mom, too, but police work will always hold a special place in my heart.  

What is your biggest fear? Not being there for my little girl, which is why I left law enforcement, of course. My husband and I spent two months apart when he was on the run from the mafia—again, long story. That really changed my perspective on life, especially when I realized I had a baby on the way.  I never want anything to endanger our family and future again.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Remember the television series, Monk? It aired during my early adulthood, and Adrian [Monk] inspired me to continue in my endeavors, while most people tried to talk me out of them. I appreciated how he used his disability and the point of view it gave him as an asset. It made me determined to do the same. 

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Never let anyone convince you to give up on your dreams.

Thank you for your insight into persons with different abilities. Now we’d like to chat with Karina.

Which writer or character[s], from either books or movies, [or both] have had a major impact on your writing? Nicholas Sparks. I thought about becoming an author from a young age, but I questioned my ability—especially to write a novel—because it seemed so daunting. When I started reading his work, I appreciated his simple style and how he could touch a reader’s heart with it. It impelled me to at least try. 

With regard to research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? I don’t want to give away too much of the actual scheme at play, since it doesn’t come out until halfway through the book, but the underground operation is what I researched the most. My findings didn’t change the concept to a large degree, but between drafts a few years ago, I learned that the crime is actually handled on a federal level. Obviously, that called for some adjustments.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them; what influenced you to submit to them. I came across The Wild Rose Press when I was shopping my second novel in 2017; I don’t recall if a search engine or publishing site referred them. That submission didn’t pan out, but I kept them in the back of my mind. I thought they published strictly romance novels, but I discovered in 2020 that they do mysteries, as well, so I queried them about Brother of Interest.

How was the submission process; what was the turn-around from date of query to date of release? After reviewing it, my editor determined it needed some more work and gave me a few tips on how to improve the plot. Nevertheless, she kept the door open for me to resubmit, so I did about five months later. Including that intermission, almost a year and a half has passed between the time I first submitted to the release, which is today!  

What are you reading right now? I just started The Mystery of Mrs. Christie.

What's next for you? My historical love story, Wrong Line, Right Connection, is coming out later this year, also published by The Wild Rose Press. I submitted it two months before I decided to resubmit Brother of Interest, never imagining they’d eventually accept both! It follows a switchboard operator and how she unexpectedly finds love by transferring a caller to the wrong number.

 To learn more about Karina Bartow and the stories she creates go to: www.KarinaBartow.com

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

 

To purchase Brother of Interest, go to:

The Wild Rose Press | Amazon | Walmart | Books-A-Million

 

Finding Home Again

 . . . A missing dog, a potential poisoning, and a suspicious death. Will Jordan and Logan find their happy-ever-after before another mysterious accident occurs?. . .

         Caretaker of a historical home, Jordan McKenzie, promised to keep a secret, but doing so gets harder by the minute, especially when an innocent kiss misses its intended target. Entangled in a web of mysterious mishaps, she discovers a surprising family connection. Is putting her trust in her boss' handsome nephew a risk worth taking?

Chef, Logan Crane, returns to Redford Falls hoping to claim an inheritance to open a restaurant, but he side-lines his plan after meeting Jordan. When past secrets intermingle with a present attraction, will Logan open his heart to the possibility of a future in Redford Falls…and with Jordan?

 Wild Women Authors is pleased to welcome back author Darlene Fredette as she celebrates the release of Finding Home Again, Book 5 in the Redford Falls series. We’ll begin with history teacher turned docent of an historic home in Nova Scotia, Jordan McKenzie.

Good morning, Jordan. Let’s start with where you are from. Toronto, but now residing in Redford Falls.

Tell us a bit about Finding Home Again. It is about me keeping a secret for a dear friend and employer, Pearl’s nephew, Logan, and the rest of her family. After they arrive at the inn, strange things being to happen.

What did you think the first time you saw Logan Crane? The first time I met him, he hit me with his car. Not the best first impression.

Agreed, what was your second thought? He is extremely handsome, and I sensed sadness in his heart.

Was it love at first sight? Logan knocked me off my feet – emotionally and physically.

What do you like most about him? Logan is kind, loving, and he makes me smile and laugh.

How would you describe him? Logan is a strong man and a great chef. He’s been hurt in the past, but I’m helping him find his way home.

How would he describe you? Probably that I talk to much. When I get nervous, I tend to chatter – a lot.

What is your biggest fear?  That Logan will leave when he finds out the secret I’ve been keeping from him.

How do you relax? By renovating the inn. I know it sounds crazy, but I love diving into the history of this home and incorporating new designs with many elements from the past.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Stay true to yourself.

Thanks for spending time with us, Jordan. Now we’d like to chat with Darlene.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? Movies and books haven’t made an impact on my writing, but I enjoy watching movies, and they sometimes inspire me with ideas for my own stories.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? Finding Home Again is a romance with twists of suspense/mystery, and thankfully my life doesn’t contain either.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? After receiving the rights back from my first book, I was looking for a new publisher and heard about The Wild Rose Press from another author. I’ve been with TWRP since 2014, and Finding Home Again is my nineth published book with them. My experience with them has been very good, and I recently signed a contract for book number ten.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I am professional book reviewer, so my reading pile is overflowing. I just finished reading a military suspense and I am currently reading a paranormal romance.

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I am currently editing book ten with my editor. This story stays in Redford Falls but is a sub-series spin-off where the next few stories will focus on the five Marley brothers of Redford Falls. I am hoping Derailed Hearts will be out later this year.

To learn more about Darlene Fredette and the stories she creates, go to:

Website: http://darlenefredette.blogspot.com/

Blog: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Fredette/e/B005NAF660/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenefredette_

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarleneLF

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/DarleneLF

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/2_STxHh37A4

 

To purchase Finding Home Again, go to:

http://darlenefredette.blogspot.com/2021/04/my-books-purchase-links.html

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Again-Redford-Falls-Novel-ebook/dp/B09NGMDRNQ/